Frequently Asked Questions
Can you give me a brief overview of this volunteer project?
Approximately 80 volunteers will arrive in Long Beach, Mississippi on Sunday, January 28, 2007. Over five days (Monday through Friday) these volunteers will replace the roofs on 22 single-story housing units that are owned by the Long Beach Housing Authority. For a day by day schedule, see Schedule of Events.
What does a "week" of volunteering mean?
A "week" of volunteering means you arrive on Sunday and depart in the afternoon on the following Friday, or on Saturday depending on your travel needs.
Can HUD funds be used to pay for a volunteer's time or other expenses?
No. In GUIDANCE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCIES IN ASSISTING
FAMILIES DISPLACED BY HURRICANE KATRINA, issued September 13, 2005 by HUD, housing authorities are specifically prohibited from using federal funds to pay staff who are volunteering with other agenices, or to provide other supplies. However, volunteers may use their annual leave to participate. See page 5 of this document for specific language.
Do volunteers pay for their meals?
Breakfast will be provided as part of the hotel room cost ($109/night) and lunch will be provided on site Monday through Friday. Group dinners will be provided on Sunday evening and Thursday evening. On evenings when a group dinner is not organized, volunteers will be responsible for their meal costs.
What do we do about travel arrangements to and from Long Beach?
Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Long Beach, and making their hotel reservations. Employees who have requested a travel subsidy will be contacted directly (see Accommodations and Travel).
What kind of local transportation will be provided to volunteers?
We will coordinate and pay for local group transportation to and from the work site, and to group events.
What are the lodging accommodations?
We have reserved a block of rooms at an area hotel (see Accommodations and Travel).
What if I have to cancel at the last minute?
If you need to cancel, please notify Dionne Roberts at droberts@nahro.org immediately.
What kind of confirmation will I receive that my application to volunteer has been accepted?
Dionne Roberts will send you an e-mail confirmation within three business days.
Are specific skills needed to participate? What type of work will the project require?
Of the four groups of volunteers (roof installation, demolition, cleanup and materials) only those on the roof installation teams need to have a specific set of skills. Members of the roof installation teams should have at least three years of experience doing installation. For the other teams, everyone is encouraged to volunteer-no experience is necessary!
The area around Long Beach often experiences moderate temperatures duirng late January in the 50-degree range during the day and the 40's at night. Any volunteer under a doctor's care or taking medication should first consult with his or her physician before volunteering to participate in this effort. Also, all volunteers are strongly advised to get a tetanus shot before traveling.
What do I need to pack?
Click here for a recommended list of things to pack..
Who will lead the volunteer efforts?
Each group will have a pre-identified, on-site "Team Captain," whose responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):
- conducting daily debrief sessions and coordinating tasks;
- ensuring that everyone's safety comes first;
- handling group issues and disputes;
- reporting any incidents; and
- providing assistance to workers.
Is there anything else I need to know?
This is a team effort, and volunteers must be respectful of Mississippi residents, other volunteers, and any other project participants.
We are excited to be able to coordinate this effort, and welcome your questions and suggestions. Please contact Dionne Roberts at droberts@nahro.org for additional information on this effort.
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